Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)

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**Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) – A Detailed Study**

Taxonomy & Classification

Scientific Name: Picus canus
Common Name: Grey-headed Woodpecker
Family: Picidae (Woodpecker family)
Order: Piciformes
Genus: Picus
Species: canus

The Grey-headed Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker closely related to the European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis). It is a highly adaptable species found across various forested habitats and is known for its loud calls and drumming behavior. Unlike many other woodpeckers, it prefers foraging on the ground for ants and insects.

Morphological Features

Size & Dimensions

Length: 27–33 cm (10.6–13 inches)
Wingspan: 42–47 cm
Weight: 120–160 grams

Coloration & Plumage

Head & Crown: Pale grey head, giving the bird its name.
Upperparts: Greenish, blending with forest foliage.
Underparts: Pale yellowish-green with faint streaks.
Wings: Olive-green with darker flight feathers.
Tail: Greenish with barred black edges.
Eyes: Dark brown.
Beak: Long, sharp, slightly curved, and greyish-black.
Legs & Feet: Zygodactylous (two toes forward, two backward), adapted for gripping tree bark.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males: Have a small red patch on the forehead, absent in females.
Females: Entirely grey head, lacking the red marking.

Distinctive Features

Greyish head with a greenish body, unlike the bright red markings found in many other woodpeckers.
Prefers foraging on the ground, unlike most woodpeckers that stay on tree trunks.
Loud, ringing calls, often heard in forested areas.

Habitat & Distribution

General Habitat

The Grey-headed Woodpecker is a forest-dependent species, preferring:

Deciduous and mixed forests
Mangrove forests and swamp woodlands
Riverine forests with large tree canopies
Open woodlands, orchards, and agricultural fields
Hilly and mountainous forests up to 2500m altitude

Global Distribution

This species is widely distributed across Europe and Asia, including:

Europe: France, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia.
Indian Subcontinent: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka.
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China.

Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban mangrove ecosystem provides a suitable habitat for the Grey-headed Woodpecker, though it is not very common.

Found in mangrove patches with tall trees.
Prefers buffer zones where mangroves transition into mixed forests.
More active in winter, with some seasonal movement in and out of the region.
Occasionally seen foraging on exposed mudflats, searching for ants and termites.

Diet & Foraging Behavior

The Grey-headed Woodpecker is primarily insectivorous, with a preference for:

Ants and termites (main food source)
Beetles, grubs, and caterpillars
Spiders and small invertebrates
Berries and small fruits (occasionally eaten)
Tree sap and nectar (rarely)

Hunting Techniques

Unlike most woodpeckers, it often forages on the ground, using its strong beak to dig into soil and tree roots.
Drills into rotting wood and tree bark to extract insect larvae.
Uses its sticky tongue to capture ants and termites.
Often forages alone but sometimes in pairs or small family groups.

Breeding & Nesting

Breeding Season: February to June, peaking in April-May.
Nesting Sites: Prefers hollow tree trunks in mature forests.
Nesting Style: Digs out deep nesting cavities, used for several years.
Eggs: Typically 4–7 white eggs per clutch.
Incubation Period: Around 16–19 days.
Parental Care: Both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

Nesting in Sundarban

Prefers taller mangrove trees, especially in buffer areas near freshwater zones.
Due to high tidal activity, nesting is less common in central Sundarban.
Competes with barbets, hornbills, and owls for tree cavities.

Vocalization & Communication

Call: A sharp “kyik-kyik-kyik” or “kiu-kiu” sound, often repeated.
Drumming: Rapid pecking sounds on hollow tree trunks, used for communication.
Alarm Calls: A loud, harsh screech when disturbed.

Conservation Status & Threats

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

The Grey-headed Woodpecker has a stable global population, but it faces localized threats:

Habitat destruction due to deforestation and logging.
Loss of nesting sites as old trees are removed.
Decline in insect populations due to pesticide use.
Climate change and rising sea levels affecting mangrove forests in Sundarban.

Conservation Efforts in Sundarban

Sundarban National Park provides protected nesting and feeding grounds.
Community-led reforestation programs help maintain suitable tree cover.
Reduced pesticide use in buffer zones supports insect populations.
Eco-tourism regulations minimize human disturbance.

Ecological Role in Sundarban

Controls ant and termite populations, preventing infestations.
Creates nesting cavities, benefiting other cavity-nesting birds like hornbills and owls.
Indicates forest health, as its presence signals a healthy insect ecosystem.
Aids in seed dispersal, occasionally consuming berries and fruits.

Conclusion

The Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) is a medium-sized, highly adaptable woodpecker that thrives in various forested habitats, including the Sundarban buffer zones. Its unique ground-foraging behavior, distinct grey head, and loud vocalizations make it an interesting species to observe.

Though not currently threatened, conservation efforts focused on forest protection, reducing pesticide use, and preserving large trees will ensure that this species continues to thrive in Sundarban and other tropical forests. With its important ecological role in insect control and cavity creation, the Grey-headed Woodpecker remains a vital part of the mangrove ecosystem.